Mining Update: How U.S. Minerals will Drive the Artificial Intelligence Era

• The U.S. government launched a new effort to extract critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt and rare earths, from mine waste and abandoned sites, strengthening domestic production.
• NMA President and CEO Rich Nolan published an op-ed highlighting the continued demand for mining jobs and the extensive benefits mineral careers offer.
• Congress is advancing the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), making important investments in our military forces. An increase in military investments will lead to a higher demand for minerals.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

August 19, 2025

Dear Friends,

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, enabling breakthroughs from personalized medicine to autonomous vehicles. Its ability to rapidly analyze data, learn from patterns and make real-time decisions is driving unprecedented growth and innovation. The AI industry is projected to reach trillions in market value within the next few years. As businesses, government entities and researchers continue to invest in AI, the infrastructure supporting these technologies—and the minerals and materials required to build them—will be essential.

AI hardware and infrastructure rely on a range of minerals, including cobalt, gallium, germanium, copper and lithium. The United States continues to be highly reliant on importing these resources, particularly from foreign adversaries like China and Russia. China has cornered the global mineral market, controlling nearly two-thirds of the world’s production and refining capacity for lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper. They are also simultaneously processing over 80 percent of battery minerals crucial to AI, electronics and defense production within the United States.

China’s market dominance has allowed it to impose restrictions on mineral exports to the United States, hobbling our supply chains and undermining the American economy. Recognizing this gap in our national security, industry and government leaders are acting quickly to shore up our domestic supply of resources, diversify our mineral supply chains and streamline permitting processes to advance American mineral independence.

By 2050, copper consumption is expected to increase by more than 110 percent, while U.S. energy demand is projected to increase by as much as 30 percent. These trends will drive major demand for workers to join the mining industry. Our industry offers promising opportunities, with competitive salaries, and the chance to help build a strong economic future for America. In addition to mining roles, the sector requires geologists, engineers, drivers and environmental specialists to ensure the continued supply of minerals for nearly every sector of the economy.

Legislation like the bipartisan Mining Schools Act of 2025 can help us build the workforce needed to meet the growing demands of this AI boom. I encourage all members of Congress to continue pushing this legislation forward after the August recess, so that America can reinforce its lead in the global AI race.